(Senior) Legal Counsel

(Senior) Legal Counsel – for Impact Investments at Impact Fund Denmark, Lagos or Johannesburg Office

Impact Fund Denmark is looking for a Legal Counsel to work on direct investment cases, for the main part within renewables and infrastructure as well as project financing in general. You will be working out of the Lagos or Johannesburg office in an international investment fund, creating economic and social progress in developing countries through impact investments with 6 close colleagues in Impact Fund Denmark Legal Transactions.

Impact Fund Denmark makes direct equity and debt investments using Impact Fund Denmark’s own funds and as a fund manager for several investment funds, all with a strong focus on impact investing. All investments must support the green transition and contribute to poverty alleviation and reduced inequality. Furthermore, Impact Fund Denmark demands that project companies adhere to national and international regulations on human rights, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption, environment as well as workers’ rights, for example. Impact Fund Denmark is an active partner during the project development, due diligence, deal structuring and project signing, as well as through the subsequent establishment and operation or further development of the company. You will be closely involved in these activities!

The job

You will support the investment organization in debt and M&A transactions and provide legal advice in relation to the legal aspects of such impact investments. This includes the preparation, review and negotiation of legal documentation and assisting in structuring transactions in collaboration with external law firms. You will be involved in the entire process, and your advice plays a significant role. From time to time the transactions will require you to travel abroad to visit the project, and travel may occur at short notice. However, we try to be as flexible as possible in order to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

The position is based in Lagos or Johannesburg, and you will report to the SVP Legal in Copenhagen.

Your responsibilities

• Support the investment teams by commenting on investment structures or by drafting agreements and other legal documents and offer proactive advice on possible legal issues within project financing
• Scoping the mandate for external legal assistance and managing of the relationship during the whole transaction process
• Assisting the investment team in the preparation of internal mandate presentations and to review pre-signing notes and other internal risk management documents with the purpose of ensuring clarity on what legal obligations Impact Fund Denmark and managed funds undertake
• Together with colleagues from Investments communicate and negotiate with external parties (investment partners, external counsel, public authorities etc.)
• Assess if and what kind of external legal advice is necessary and provide relevant support and communication with external counsel
• Ad hoc advice on single issues, e.g. breach of contract
• Maintain and develop Impact Fund Denmark standard templates, guidelines and policies
• Write in plain English, the language should be clear, precise and correct
• Stay updated on relevant new legislation and precedent
• Develop and deliver internal training for Impact Fund Denmark staff on law, processes and standard templates

Your qualifications and experience

• Qualified within relevant law degree. Working experience as corporate finance lawyer for one of the leading green energy developers or law firms within corporate finance or banking is an advantage.
• Solid documented experience within green energy projects and project financing, up to date knowledge of corporate law and the procedures normally used in transactions.
• Good (contract) drafting skills in English.
• You are a clear communicator, and fluent in English orally and written. Proficiency in other languages spoken in emerging markets (French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.) are considered a plus.
• Sound judgement and good ability to do legal analysis.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity as well as having the right mindset and values.
• Excellent ability to work in teams, share and request information and understand the implications of what colleagues are requesting.
• It is not a requirement that you have experience with the regions where Impact Fund Denmark invests, however, an interest in developing countries, emerging markets and risk investments is an advantage.

Working and learning at Impact Fund Denmark

We are very ambitious in our efforts to become a leading impact investor, and we believe that the best way to succeed is to create a healthy culture, where people can strive and develop. It must be motivating and fun to go to work. Therefore, we take our time to celebrate milestones, learn new skills, and get to know each other.

Learning is an important element of working in Impact Fund Denmark, and we will support your personal development through training, sparring and by ensuring that you get exciting and challenging tasks and new opportunities for growth. When joining Impact Fund Denmark, you will take part in our extensive onboarding program in Copenhagen, Denmark to get the best possible start in your new role.

We have a diverse and inclusive working environment with more than 190 talented individuals from 20+ different nationalities. We work seamless together with colleagues around the corner, cross the organization and between offices in Asia, Africa, LATAM and Europe.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and motivated application via the apply button as soon as possible and no later than 22 November. We review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis.

We are recruiting one person, based in either Lagos or Johannesburg. You only need to apply once.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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